Man sentenced for killing police officer in crash

A man has been sentenced after admitted killing a police officer in a crash as she rode home on her motorbike.

Det Con Karen Smith died in the collision near the village of Thorngumbald, East Yorkshire, in December 2024.

Laurence Green, 72, was travelling in the opposite direction along the A1033 and made a turn causing the officer to hit the side of his car, Humberside Police said.

Green, of Littleham Close, Hull, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, when he appeared at Grimsby Crown Court on Monday.

The force said its investigation established that Green "had entered the filter lane, but failed to pause prior to commencing his turn" adding that "the motorcycle would have been visible from a safe distance, had Mr Green carried out the appropriate checks".

Smith, 49, was a detective in the Major Crime Team and had spent more than 10 years as a police officer.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Walker described her as "a proud and dedicated member of Humberside Police".

"I would like to thank all colleagues who have been involved in the investigation, I know this has been incredibly difficult with it relating to someone so loved and cherished across the force," he said.

"Karen's professionalism, warmth and commitment touched so many of us, and she is deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of working alongside her.

"We will always remember Karen and her unwavering contribution to policing, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies continue to remain with Karen's family and friends."

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